Zhytomyr Polissya began its new season with a second qualifying round match of the Conference League against Slovenia's bronze medalist, «Olimpija».

The European Cup debut of the fifth-placed team from last year's Ukrainian Premier League took place on the opponent's field in Ljubljana. This was also the first match for Polissya under the leadership of Imad Ashur.

The first half passed with little action and few opportunities for both teams. Closer to halftime, the initiative shifted to the home team, and Volynets had several occasions to intervene.

Photo polissyafc.com

After the break, both teams played more actively. On the 56th minute, «Olimpija» opened the scoring. Floruc received the ball in the right corner of the penalty area and shot accurately under the far post. Later, Volynets saved a shot from Nemanja Motika, while Bulatam spared our team on a penalty kick.

Towards the end of the match, «Polissya» tried to push forward but failed to create any dangerous opportunities. Instead, in stoppage time, Pinto finished off a counterattack and doubled the home side's lead. Shortly after a corner kick, Payshao managed to play one back, but his shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Thus, Zhytomyr concedes — 0:2.

In the lineup of «Polissya», full-time Ukrainian international Bogdan Mykhailichenko played.

Conference League-2024/2025. Second qualifying round. First leg

«Olimpija» (Slovenia) — «Polissya» (Ukraine) — 2:0 (0:0)

Goals: Floruc (56), Pinto (90+2).

«Olimpija»: Vidovsek, Silva (Lasickas, 80), Ratnik (c), Muhamedbegovic, Sualehe, Doffo, Agba, Floruc (Pinto, 63), Bulatam (Brest, 80), Lucas (Durdev, 80), Koyic (Nem. Motika, 60).

Substitutes: Pintol, Lubey Fink, Nik. Motika, Ristic, Cacic, Achimovic, Moreira.

Coach: Viktor Sanchez.

«Polissya»: Volynets, Maisuradze (Taylor, 58), Chobotenko (c), Sarapiy, Mykhailichenko, Tallis, Krushynskyi, Gutsulyak (Payshao, 68), Mustafaev (Kozak, 58), Nazarenko, Budkivskyi (Brystrich, 61).

Substitutes: Kudrik, Ulyganets, Matych, Smolyakov, Viale.

Coach: Imad Ashur.

Referee: Xavier Alberola Rochas (Spain).

Yellow cards: Silva (31), Koyic (33) — Sarapiy (25), Budkivskyi (31), Maisuradze (49), Ashur (77, not on the field), Krushynskyi (87).

July 25. Ljubljana. Stadium «Stozice».

The return match will take place on August 1 in Gliwice, Poland at the city stadium (kickoff at 7:00 PM Kyiv time).